become a better birder12.pdf · want better bird photographs? become a better birder. how? things...

Want Better Bird Photographs?

Become a Better Birder

How?Things you can do• Before you go• In the field• When you return

What’s Your Motivation?• Fame and Fortune • Bragging Rights• Fascinated by Birds• Good because

– Wet, cold, sleepy, thirsty, hot, sore and dirty are the norm.

– There’s a lot of “Hurry up and Wait”

– Motivation is a good thing

Before You Go… Study Birds• Books (www.Amazon.com)• One or two books are never enough

Before You Go… Study Birds

• Websites– Cornell University

• http://www.birds.cornell.edu/• http://www.allaboutbirds.org

Before You Go… Study Birds

Before You Go… Study Birds– http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/birds/ornith.html– http://www.ornithology.com/

Before You Go… Study Birds• Learn about Migration

– What species, seasons, timing, distances and food

Before You Go… Study Birds• Learn seasonal plumage changes

Before You Go… Study Birds• Locations

– eBIRD -- http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

Before You Go… Study Birds• Local Stuff

– http://birdingcouple.blogspot.com/Warren and Lisa Strobel

• Make online friends– www.Flickr.com

• Visit National Groups– http://centralmdaudubon.org/

• eBIRD, MDOsprey, DPCA Birding SIG

Before You Go… Study Birds• Photographer -- Gurus

– Arthur Morris – http://www.birdsasart.com/

– David Hemmings --http://davidhemmingsbirdphotography.com/

– Art Wolfe -- http://www.artwolfe.com/

– Index of Bird Photographers --http://www.photographersdirect.com/professionals/united_states/birds-photographers.asp

– FLICKR -- http://www.flickr.com

Before You Go… Life’s 7 P’s• Research and plan your trip

– Location– Species– Migration– Alone or with friends– Workshops

Before You Go… Equipment• Binoculars• Camera(s)• Lenses – 400mm or better• Tripod• Camera/lens cleaning supplies• Waterproof cover• Appropriate Clothing• Water, hat, bug repellent

In the Field… (so what IS the “Field” anyway?)

• Your yard!• Local parks, reserves, etc.• National parks• Wildlife management areas• Wildlife sanctuaries• Visitor’s centers• Fees

(Duck Stamp, Golden Eagle Pass)

In the Field…• Care about the welfare of your subject –

act accordingly• Tread gently• Move smoothly• Be quiet (keys out of ignition!)• Be polite even when others are not• Respect private property and rules

In the Field… • Approach carefully• Stay behind pre-

positioned photogs• Never disturb birds• No eye contact• Be still and relaxed• Blend in• Study and enjoy

your subject even if it means missing the shot this time

In the Field…• Practice!

When You Return …• Cull your photographs• Identify your subjects

– Common name– Genus and species names

• Tag your photographs• Share your photographs• Be a citizen scientist,

Login to eBird and record your trip

When You Return…• Start planning your next trip!

– http://www.delawarebirdingtrail.org/– http://www.delawareaudubon.org/birding– http://www.delawarebirding.com/– http://www.marylandbirding.com/– http://www.birding.com/wheretobird/maryland.asp

Dream of Seasons to Come

Laurie Brice’s Birding Map• Email: techdir@digitalphotoclub.net• Subject: DPCA Birding Map